Whole medical systems are complete systems of medical theory and practice that evolved over time in different cultures around the world. These systems developed independently from or in parallel with conventional medicine.

The two major whole medical systems are traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM which developed in China, and Ayurvedic medicine, which developed in India. Naturopathy and homeopathy are whole medical systems that developed in Europe.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use a wide range of other modalities, including massage, manipulation, cupping, meditation, martial arts and feng shui.

Homeopathic medicine, or homeopathy, uses natural substances prepared in small amounts to restore health. Naturopathic medicine, or Naturopathy, supports what it perceives as the body's inherent ability to maintain and restore health.